by Susan Stockburger

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 23, 2008

- Most families are busy working, running errands after work, cooking, cleaning and barely leaving time for relaxation. In addition to everyday tasks, daughters and son's are also caring for elderly parents. Often older people experience failing conditions that cause questions about how to care for older parents. The following is a care plan guide for people who are now caring for elderly parents with activity intolerance and weakness.

1. Weakness/Activity Intolerance Causes
- Advanced Age
- Disease Processes like Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Disease
- Decrease muscle strength
- Confusion
- Depression/Loneliness
- Sedentary life style
- Orthopedic injuries
- Poor eating habits
- Side effects of Medications
- Complaints of fatigue
2. Now that we have defined some of the causes of Weakness/Activity Intolerance's the next step in the Plan is defining the Goals or Expected Outcomes

- The older person will perform activity's of daily living safely,without injuries and without complaints of fatigue or weakness.

3. Interventions to meet the Goals established
- See a Physician for assessments of health problems
- Ask for prescription for Physical Therapy and or Occupational Therapy for strengthening.
- Involve the older person directly in care, choices with compassion
- Encourage normal activity as much as possible
- Break up activity's with frequent rest periods
- Rest after all meals and drink plenty of fluids
- Sit to perform activities
- Make sure items are within easy reach
- Encourage expression of feelings of weakness/fatigue
- Provide time to actively listen to the concerns of the elder
- Seek community resources like Meals on Wheels and Home Health Services
- Encourage working at activities slowly, deliberately and unhurriedly
- Take medications as ordered
- Notify Physician when side effects of medications interfere with daily activity's
- Perform activities when the elderly person has the most energy; like in the morning
- Progress and increase activities as tolerated
- Celebrate when goals are reached

In summary, we are all interwoven in this life, our Seniors are valuable individuals who have worked, raised families, traveled, and are wise beyond their years. As a Nurse, I hope this guide will promote optimal, safe and increase quality of life for all people who bravely enter this endeavor of caring for the older person.

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